Category: Daily Trust

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, on Monday announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as the party’s abandonment of internal democracy.

Lawal, in a statement posted on his verified social media account, accused the party of manipulating its presidential and other primaries to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his allies. He alleged that legitimate candidates were sidelined and that some election outcomes had been predetermined.

The former SGF said he could no longer remain in a party that, in his view, had become a vehicle for securing Atiku’s emergence as president in 2027.

His resignation came just three days after the ADC concluded its presidential primary and declared Atiku as its presidential candidate.

Political observers say Lawal’s decision may not be unconnected with his longstanding support for former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, whom he backed during the 2023 presidential election.

Party sources also suggested that Lawal may have become disenchanted with the ADC following Obi’s departure from the party but chose to wait until after the presidential primary before making his position public.

His exit has drawn renewed attention to the ADC, particularly in Adamawa State, where the party remains one of its strongest structures due to Atiku’s political influence and support base.

The rift

Findings by Daily Trust revealed that tension over the control of the ADC structure in Adamawa State had been simmering long before Lawal’s resignation.

The struggle involved key political figures within the party, including Atiku Abubakar, Babachir Lawal and Senator Aishatu Binani, with each camp seeking influence over the party’s leadership structure in the state.

Sources said Atiku backed Barrister Sadiq Dasin for the position of state chairman, while Binani supported Sai’du Komsiri. Lawal, on the other hand, insisted that Comrade Shehu Yohanna, leader of the legacy party structure, should remain in office.

The dispute eventually found its way to the courts and, after a series of legal battles, the Court of Appeal sitting in Yola reportedly recognised Dasin as state chairman.

Party insiders said that despite an earlier arrangement among the legacy group, the transition bloc and Binani’s camp to share the party structure, the agreement was not fully implemented, leading to further mistrust among stakeholders.

At the formative stage of the ADC coalition, Atiku was said to have endorsed Lawal as the party’s North-East National Vice Chairman. Sources also alleged that attempts were made to replace Yohanna with a former state vice chairman, Mustapha Arabi.

The leadership tussle again ended in court, where a High Court in Yola reportedly affirmed Yohanna’s position as chairman.

Further divisions emerged when Lawal constituted a transition caretaker committee led by Dasin to oversee the affairs of the party in the state. In response, Umar Bello Jada – a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and a key ally of Senator Binani, reportedly backed a parallel structure led by Sai’du Komsiri.

The emergence of parallel leadership structures deepened the crisis and weakened the party’s cohesion in Adamawa, prompting fresh litigation over the legitimate leadership of the state chapter.

Although a court ruling later favoured Komsiri, disputes persisted until Atiku intervened in a bid to reconcile the factions and restore stability within the party.

Analysts weigh in

A political analyst, Huram King, linked Lawal’s latest political move to positions he had taken in the past.

According to him, Lawal opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections and subsequently backed Peter Obi.

‘Babachir left the APC because he could not support the Muslim-Muslim ticket. He supported Peter Obi in 2023 and has remained consistent in his position since then,’ he said.

Reacting to Lawal’s resignation, Yusuf Sheriff said the development did not come as a surprise.

‘We are not surprised by his exit. Many members have expected this for some time because of the disagreements that have existed within the party,’ he said.

Another party stalwart, Chiroma Jimeta, criticised Lawal’s style of leadership, alleging that it contributed to the departure of several prominent politicians from the party.

Jimeta claimed that Senator Binani left the ADC because of disagreements over the party’s direction and internal power dynamics. He also alleged that former Governor Jibrilla Bindow was denied the opportunity to secure the party’s governorship ticket because influential stakeholders opposed his candidacy.

He further claimed that another aspirant, Dujima, stepped down from the race due to pressure from party leaders.

However, the spokesman of the party in Adamawa State, Martins Dickson, said the party had yet to take an official position on Lawal’s resignation.

According to him, politics is largely driven by personal convictions and interests, and Lawal has every right to make his political choices.

‘What is important for the ADC is to remain focused on building a strong platform and preparing for the 2027 general elections,’ he said.

Political analysts say the development could deepen divisions within the opposition and further complicate efforts to build a united front against the ruling party.

Babachir: A tale of protests

Lawal’s political differences with some leaders of the APC date back to the build-up to the 2023 elections.

He openly opposed the party’s decision to field Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima on a Muslim-Muslim ticket and subsequently backed Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the presidential election.

Since then, relations between Lawal and key figures within the APC have remained strained.

When Atiku later moved to the ADC, Lawal also joined the party, raising expectations that both politicians could work together within the same platform. Those expectations, however, appear to have faded with his resignation.

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar has dismissed Lawal’s criticisms of the ADC presidential primary, describing them as unfounded.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s camp said Lawal failed to provide evidence to support his allegations that the primary was manipulated.

The statement described Lawal’s claims as speculative and insisted that the presidential primary was conducted across thousands of wards and produced a clear outcome.

‘What Mr Lawal has offered Nigerians is not evidence. He has produced no documents, no verifiable facts, no credible witnesses and no proof whatsoever to support his allegations,’ the statement said.

It further accused the former SGF of allowing disappointment over the outcome of the primary to influence his public comments.

The statement also questioned what it described as contradictions in Lawal’s position, arguing that he condemned alleged electoral malpractice while praising what he once referred to as President Tinubu’s ‘superior rigging machine.’

According to Atiku’s camp, Lawal also failed to explain why he accepted the outcome of the governorship primary in Adamawa State, where his cousin Omar Suleiman emerged as the party’s governorship candidate.

‘Such behaviour is not driven by principle. It is driven by disappointment,’ the statement added.

The Presidency also reacted to Lawal’s resignation, describing it as a setback for Atiku and the ADC.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X, said Lawal’s departure amounted to a strong rejection of both Atiku and the party.

‘Babachir David Lawal just handed Atiku Abubakar and his captured ADC a stinging rebuke, along with a bitter divorce,’ Onanuga wrote while sharing Lawal’s resignation statement.

We’ll resolve it – ADC

When contacted by Daily Trust, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi downplayed the development.

In a brief response, he simply said: ‘We will resolve it.’

The Atiku Media Office described the comments on the person on the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress as needless.

It said, ‘Ordinarily, the verbal vituperation and the utter rubbish churned out by Babachir Lawal would have been better ignored as the ranting of a man high on substance, but for the overriding need to put the records straight.

A statement by the Media office in Abuja, explained that, while former SGF Babachir Lawal has the right to resign from ADC and is free to do so because political parties are voluntary associations of people, he is not entitled to cast aspersions on Atiku based entirely on fabricated and brazen lies.

According to the statement, accusing Atiku of religious bigotry or nepotism is one of the laziest and most ridiculous lies anyone can spread against the former Vice President.

The statement explained that Atiku Abubakar is one of the most liberal politicians in Nigeria and his record in this regard is there for anyone to verify.

‘As far as we are concerned, Babachir was perfectly describing his own character rather than Atiku’s. The former SGF seeks power on the altar of dividing the people based on primordial sentiments. All his altercations with people are caused by his selfishness. He opportunistically panders to sentiments to achieve his ambition. None of his struggles are influenced by the larger interests of his people or Nigeria,’ the statement added.

The statement noted further that ‘a man who is a notorious conflict entrepreneur like Babachir Lawal is not qualified to speak about what is good for Nigeria.’

The statement advised Lawal to search his conscience and stop feeding the cauldron of division and bigotry among Nigerians for his own selfish interests.

‘There is no such thing as a Muslim and Christian party in Nigeria. When the outcome of a competition doesn’t favour you, you should petition the party to show proof of manipulations or rigging. It’s however most irresponsible for a former SGF to turn himself into an agent of division’, it said.

Workers of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), have embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike over welfare and other administrative grievances.

It was further learnt that the industrial action commenced after efforts to resolve welfare and administrative grievances failed, causing the aggrieved employees to start enforcement of a total shutdown.

The development stranded some of the workers who came to the office at the gates of the offices of the regulator.

It was further learnt that after a series of negotiations between staff representatives and management on demands over long-standing industrial issues, including institutional governance, staff welfare, promotions and training opportunities collapsed, the aggrieved workers resorted to the strike.

Sources said the workers had demanded a review of the current cost-of-collection structure, particularly the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to the workers, the modality weakened the upstream regulator’s operational efficiency and financial capacity.

The workers, it was gathered, also accused NUPRC’s leadership of adopting an operator-style approach to regulation, which they opined overlapped in responsibilities within the wider petroleum regulatory framework.

Sources also said that the workers expect to be paid according to oil and gas remuneration structures to avoid compromise as regulators but that there is a liquidity problem.

The aggrieved employees also alleged that the commission’s management was paying lip service to staff development and career progression, as well as capacity building for NUPRC’s junior and senior personnel.

Confirming the industrial action, NUPRC’s Head, Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, told our reporter that ‘it is true that some administrative activities were affected today due to industrial action taken by the unions. However, this has not in any way impacted activities in oil and gas facilities or production in general.

He added that the top management of the commission is meeting with the unions in order to put an end to the strike and ultimately restore normalcy.

On his part, the Acting General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Jerry Amah also said the workers’ action is not a serious incident and would be resolved very soon.

A coalition of prominent elders and stakeholders from Kwara North Senatorial District has issued a stark warning over the worsening security situation in the region.

They claimed that more than 1,200 residents have been killed by bandits and terrorists since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

The group, operating under the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC) said the continued wave of attacks across the district has left hundreds of people abducted, devastated local economies and forced many communities into prolonged fear and uncertainty.

They warned that unless urgent and decisive action is taken to restore security across the district, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks losing the goodwill and political support of the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Daily Trust reports that Kwara North has continue to face a worsening wave of insecurity, with repeated bandit attacks, killings, and kidnappings across several communities.

The situation escalated lately as armed groups intensified raids on rural settlements, forcing residents to flee their homes and abandon farmlands.

The crisis reached a disturbing peak with the recent attack on the Emir’s Palace in Yashikira, Baruten Local Government Area.

The gunmen reportedly invaded the palace, abducting some of the Emir’s wives, his children and several other residents before setting part of the palace ablaze.

But in a statement on Tuesday by the elders and stakeholders signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma and Publicity Secretary, Hajia Zainab Seko, the group lamented the ‘near-total collapse’ of security across the region.

The stakeholders said the security crisis has devastated communities across the five local government areas of Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi and Moro, leaving residents displaced, farms abandoned and economic activities crippled.

According to them, the region, once regarded as the food basket of Kwara State, has become a shadow of itself due to incessant attacks by armed groups operating freely across vast rural territories.

‘Our people are living in fear. Entire communities have been sacked. More than 1200 lives have been lost and many of our sons, daughters, wives and husbands are still being held captive by terrorists and bandits,’ the statement said.

It added, ‘The economy of the region has been grounded and agriculture, which is the mainstay of our people, has suffered immensely.

‘Farmers can no longer access their farmlands safely, while buyers and traders are unwilling to come into the region because of security concerns. As a result, farm produce is wasting away.’

The group acknowledged the efforts of the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s led administration to address the challenge but maintained that the responsibility for securing lives and property ultimately rests with the Federal Government.

‘We recognize that the Kwara State Government is doing its best within the limits of its constitutional powers. However, the buck stops on the table of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

‘This is no longer a local challenge. What we are witnessing is a national security emergency that requires decisive federal intervention,’ he said.

The stakeholders expressed concern that the worsening situation has begun to alter long-standing social and cultural traditions in the region.

According to them, many indigenes who ordinarily return home during festive periods have chosen to stay away for fear of attacks.

‘For the first time in our history, many of our children refused to come home during the last festive celebrations because they were afraid for their safety. This is unprecedented and speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation.

‘We are a peace-loving agrarian people. Our people do not deserve this level of suffering and neglect’, they noted.

The elders warned that unless urgent action is taken to restore security and confidence in the region, it would be difficult for political leaders to mobilize support for the ruling party ahead of future elections.

‘It will be very difficult to begin to campaign to people who are under siege, to mothers who have lost their children, and to fathers who can no longer provide for their families because their means of livelihood have been destroyed.

‘Politics cannot thrive where people are struggling simply to stay alive’, it submitted.

They therefore appealed directly to President Tinubu to deploy all necessary security resources to the area and ensure that communities are protected from terrorists and criminal elements.

‘We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to rise to this challenge and take immediate steps to protect our communities from terrorism and banditry.

‘The people of Kwara North have always been loyal to the APC-led government and patriotic citizens of Nigeria. What they seek is not charity, but security, justice and the opportunity to live and work in peace.’

The stakeholders added that restoring security in the region would not only save lives but also revive agricultural production and economic activities critical to the food security of both Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Federation Cup Round of 32 produced widespread drama across Nigeria, with giants surviving tense battles while several others fell to spirited underdogs, as matches across the country were decided by narrow wins and penalty shootouts.

In one of the standout results, NNL side, Sokoto United, stunned Cup holders Kwara United with a disciplined 1-0 win, showing defensive organisation and composure under pressure. Adamawa United also advanced the hard way, edging Sapele Lions 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.

Bendel Insurance delivered a strong statement with a 3-1 victory over Crown FC, while El-Kanemi Warriors held their nerve to eliminate Akwa United 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The knockout intensity continued as Kada Warriors sent Shooting Stars packing 5-4 in a shootout following another 1-1 stalemate.

Wikki Tourists recorded a convincing 3-1 win over Bayelsa United, while Bida Lions secured a solid 2-0 result against Warri Wolves. The round also featured more penalty tension as Flight FC of Gboko defeated Mighty Jets FC 5-4 after a 1-1 draw.

In a thrilling encounter, Rivers United edged reigning NPFL champions Enugu Rangers 3-2 in one of the highest-scoring contests of the round.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United progressed without kicking a ball after Ejigbo City failed to show up, while Plateau United squeezed past Kogi United 1-0 in a tight contest.

FC Basira survived one of the most dramatic shootouts, beating Ingas FC 8-7 after a 1-1 draw. Ikorodu City FC continued their impressive run with a 2-0 win over Jigawa Golden Stars, while Enyimba FC narrowly defeated Gombe United 1-0 in a cagey fixture.

Sunshine Stars U19 impressed with a 2-1 win over Warinje FC, highlighting their youthful promise, while Barau FC completed the round with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Abakaliki FC in Bwari.

Following these results, the Round of 16 now promises more high-stakes clashes.

Giant-killers Sokoto United will face Adamawa United, Bendel Insurance tackle El-Kanemi Warriors, Kada Warriors go up against Wikki Tourists, while Bida Lions will take on Flight FC. Others include Rivers United versus Nasarawa United, Plateau United against FC Basira, Ikorodu City face Enyimba FC, and Sunshine Stars U19 battle Barau FC.

Sundry Markets Limited, the owners of Market Square, one of Nigeria’s leading supermarket chains, has stated that its operations will be fully digitalized across the country and creates jobs for the teaming population as it marks 10 anniversary of its operations in the country.

The grocery retail outlets also reflected on a decade of rapid expansion, job creation, and contributions to the modernisation of the country’s retail sector.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sundry Markets Limited, owners of Market Square, Mr. Ebele Enunwa, described the milestone as a significant achievement in a challenging business environment where many startups struggle to survive beyond their first five years.

Enunwa explained that the company’s success has been driven by a commitment to delivering quality products, excellent customer service, and creating a shopping environment that offers value for money.

He noted that despite economic challenges, including inflation, currency volatility, and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, the company remained resilient and continued to expand its footprint across the country.

He stated that the company’s ambition is to make its products and services accessible to Nigerians in every part of the country over the next two decades, adding that Market Square has impacted on the economy through employment generation and retail sector development.

He said: ‘We started this business 10 years ago with almost nothing. Today, we have over 40 stores across the country and have grown to become the largest grocery retail chain in Nigeria.

‘That growth is a testament to the hard work of thousands of employees who focus every day on satisfying customers and exceeding their expectations,’ he said.

‘We have probably created more than 10,000 jobs across Nigeria and will continue to do so as we expand.

‘We have also been at the forefront of modernizing retail by providing safe, comfortable and organized shopping environments for consumers.

‘The challenges of any Nigerian business are the same, we’ve gone through periods of intense turbulence, inflation has been growing at an alarming rate, the consumer has been beating silly, their pockets have been really hit hard.’

Similarly, the Chairman, Board of Sundry Markets Limited, Mr. Charles Odita, said the company has grown from a single outlet in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to more than 41 branches spread across 16 states of the federation.

He called on the government at all levels to improve infrastructure, particularly roads, electricity supply, and security, noting that these are critical requirements for the continued growth of the retail industry.

Executive Director of Sundry Foods Limited, Nnamdi Opara, described the anniversary as a proud moment for the broader Sundry family, recalling the company’s early support in establishing Market Square as a standalone retail business.

He encouraged young Nigerians to explore opportunities in the retail sector, because as the industry continues to expand, it would create thousands of jobs and leadership opportunities.

Also Speaking, a representative of one of the company’s long-standing partners, Mercy Jemikalajah, from the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), lauded Market Square’s consistency and growth trajectory over the past decade.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Nasarawa State in the 2027 election, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, has appealed to his fellow aspirants and their supporters to close ranks and work together to move the state forward.

Senator Wadada made the appeal during a press briefing in Lafia while formally accepting the party’s mandate.

‘I therefore appeal to all aspirants and their supporters to join hands with other members of the APC family to move Nasarawa State forward,’ Wadada said. Describing his emergence as a ‘profound privilege,’ he added that the victory belongs to all party members and citizens who believe in ‘a more prosperous, peaceful, united, and progressive Nasarawa State.’

He praised the party’s leadership for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible primary, specifically commending the state chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, the State Working Committee, and the electoral officials for their roles in the exercise.

Wadada paid special tribute to Governor Abdullahi Aliyu Sule for his ‘purposeful leadership, political maturity, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our party,’ noting the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, industrialization, agriculture, healthcare, education, security, and economic transformation.

He also expressed appreciation to his fellow contestants, including Hassan Liman, SAN, and Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, thanking them for their participation and sportsmanship.

‘The contest is over. The time for reconciliation, unity, and collective responsibility is now. There is no victor and no vanquished,’ the senator stressed.

Former Minister of Health and Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Canada, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has warned that decades of progress in global and national health could be reversed unless governments invest more in resilient health systems and domestic health financing.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 25th anniversary celebration of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Adewole said the world had witnessed historic improvements in life expectancy, maternal and child survival, and access to healthcare over the last quarter-century, but cautioned that those gains remain vulnerable.

‘The gains are fragile and uneven. Global uncertainty is our new normal, not a temporary phase,’ he said.

Adewole called for stronger primary healthcare systems, universal health coverage, improved governance, and greater investment in health workers, technology, and disease prevention.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low health spending, noting that only about 3.9 per cent of GDP is allocated to health, below the recommended global benchmark.

‘We must put more money into health, and all of us must keep saying this,’ he said.

The former minister also lamented the growing exodus of Nigerian healthcare professionals, revealing that more than 16,000 doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years.

‘Medical brain drain has become a major issue,’ he warned.

Drawing from his experience in government, Adewole recounted how economic arguments helped secure support for health investments, including the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

He recalled a conversation with a senior government official who argued that Nigeria should not depend indefinitely on external support.

‘We should not allow the health of our people to be left at the mercy of foreigners,’ Adewole quoted the advocate as saying.

He stressed that policymakers often respond more readily to evidence of economic returns than to warnings about disease and death.

‘It is not enough to say people will die,’ he said. ‘When you show leaders the return on investment, minds change.’

Adewole urged stakeholders to build coalitions, strengthen community trust, and protect hard-won health gains through sustained domestic investment.

In a message to the next generation of public health leaders, he challenged institutions such as APIN to expand their vision and influence.

‘Keep the flag flying and pass the baton to the next generation. Do not let it drop,’ he said.

Congratulating APIN on its 25 years of service, Adewole said the future of public health would depend on resilience, innovation, equity, and long-term partnerships.

‘The window to lock in and extend these gains is open now-before the next crisis.’

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Prof. Prosper Okonkwo, reflected on the organisation’s 25-year journey from an HIV-focused intervention to one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous public health institutions.

He paid tribute to APIN’s development partners, government agencies, healthcare workers, community organisations, and beneficiaries for helping to sustain the organisation’s impact over the years.

‘We are deeply grateful to our funders, particularly the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for their unwavering confidence in our ability to deliver high-quality programmes,’ Okonkwo said.

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), state ministries of health, and other government institutions that have provided an enabling environment for APIN’s work.

Okonkwo reserved special appreciation for the communities and client groups served by the organisation, including networks of people living with HIV and youth groups, describing them as the driving force behind APIN’s mission.

‘Your trust, advocacy and partnership have shaped every meaningful decision we have made. You are the reason that this work exists,’ he said.

The Labour Party (LP) has formally presented Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, said Okereke emerged through what it described as a broad-based consensus among party members and stakeholders, which was affirmed in Abuja on May 30, 2026.

According to the statement, Okereke is a governance expert, policy strategist, and reform advocate with extensive experience in legislative governance and institutional development.

The party stated that he is the President of the ERGAF-AFRICA Legislative Governance Innovation and Policy Hub, and also serves as a legislative consultant to key committees and ranking members of the National Assembly.

It added that Okereke is a resident lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Miva Open University, Abuja.

The statement further noted that the presidential candidate holds a PhD in Legislative Governance Studies, as well as master’s degrees in Public Administration and Legislative Studies.

The party said Okereke has remained consistently committed to youth empowerment, educational advancement, and democratic reforms.

‘His leadership, intellectual depth, and proven commitment to good governance embody the vision of competent, accountable, and transformational leadership that Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,’ the statement concluded.

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Taiwo Adegoroye, has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools within the council area over security concerns.

Announcing the directive during a press briefing with journalists, Adegoroye described the move as a precautionary measure to safeguard pupils, students, teachers, and other education workers.

The council said the decision was taken in response to growing security concerns and is aimed at preventing any potential threat to lives and property.

However, the council clarified that students currently participating in national examinations will be allowed access to school premises strictly for the purpose of writing their examinations.

Adegoroye warned that any school authority found flouting the closure order would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with extant laws.

He also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and discourage unnecessary movements during the period.

The council chairman assured residents that the local government is working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance and enhance security across the area.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the safety and well-being of residents remain a top priority.

Adegoroye further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that community cooperation is essential in addressing security challenges.

The journey of musical duo Parsh N Lancy, comprised of brothers Ibukun Oyedola (Parsh) and Olanrewaju Oyedola (Lancy), is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and the evolution of sound.

Born in the early 90s in Abeokuta, Ogun State, grew up in a middle-class family, these two brothers have carved a unique niche in the Nigerian entertainment scene, blending traditional Yoruba poetry with contemporary Afrobeats to create their signature ‘Ewipop’ genre.

Parsh’s musical inclinations surfaced early, specifically in 2003 during his junior secondary school years. A pivotal moment arrived when a freelance journalist, Mr Aderoju Adejare, from Ogun State Television (OGTV) visited his school, expressed his need for a smart and talented young boy, Mr Wasiu Bashir sent for Parsh detailing his confidence in his delivery.

Under the guidance of Mr. Aderoju Adejare, Parsh delivered a captivating performance on HIV/AIDS awareness that marked the true beginning of his artistic path. Unbeknownst to him, this early spark ignited a similar passion in his younger brother, Lancy, who got inspired by him.

Following his OGTV debut, Parsh continued to perform solo, mesmerizing audiences with his poetic prowess. By 2005, he formed the band ‘Obabiolorun Kosi Ewi Exponent’ with schoolmates, with Lancy soon joining as an exceptional sekere instrumentalist.

Performing under the stage names Onípàsán Òrò for Parsh and Alágbasà Òrò for Lancy, the group made their debut in March 2006 at a teacher’s wedding ceremony in Eruwa, Oyo State. They went on to perform over a hundred shows across Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states, solidifying their presence in the regional music circuit.

The duo’s stage name itself has undergone an evolution, from Pasania Ewillis and Lancy, to the acronym P.e.L, then Parsh en Lancy, before finally settling on the well-known ‘Parsh N Lancy.’

The group eventually disbanded in 2008, leaving Parsh and Lancy to forge their own path. Their unique chemistry endured, leading them to release their first studio album, Adoorun Mooto, in 2009. This creative partnership continued even as both brothers pursued higher education. Parsh studied Pharmacy at Olabisi Onabanjo University and Lancy at Tai-Solarin University of Education, where he studied Creative Arts.

A significant turning point came in 2012. Recognizing that their current musical style primarily appealed to an older demographic, Parsh N Lancy embarked on a mission to introduce Ewi to a younger audience. This vision birthed the innovative ‘Ewipop’ genre, a vibrant fusion of traditional Yoruba poetry and modern Afrobeats rhythms.

The following year, in 2013, they released their groundbreaking Ewipop single, ‘Serere’ (meaning ‘Do good’), featuring Lamytea and Cool Gee, proudly produced by Mckadz. This track seamlessly integrated local sonorities with Afrobeats, marking a definitive shift in their artistic direction.

Since then, the duo has released a string of successful singles, demonstrating their consistency and versatility with ‘E go beta’ (2014), ‘One Time’ (2016), ‘Kele’ (2016), ‘Jofunmi’ (2017), ‘Work’ (2018), ‘Aje’ featuring Addict (2019), ‘Irawo’ (2020), and ‘Work Refix’ featuring Cool Gee, Prince Hardey and Pablo Longs (2020) Produced by Sushi Tunes.

In 2022, Parsh N Lancy released their highly anticipated first body of work, Breezy the EP. This six-track project featured collaborations with notable artists such as Oladips, Vader the Wildcard, Addict, and Jamal Babz. The Ep was proudly produced by the celebrity beat maker, Xtra Pro. Their prolific output continues with future projects like Motilor (2025) and ‘My G’ featuring Zigido in 2026. My G is off the much anticipated EP, Adufe the EP produced by celebrity beat maker, Xtra Pro, which is due to drop later this year.

Beyond audio releases, Parsh N Lancy have also invested in visual storytelling, with music videos for ‘Aje’ ft. Addict (2019), ‘Beta’ (2022), ‘Ewipop’ (2023), and ‘My G’ (2026). Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, earning them nominations for prestigious awards, including the Next Rated category at the J-Empire Awards (2018) and Best Inspirational Song with a Message at the Top Naija Music Awards 6th Edition (2018).

More than just musicians, Parsh N Lancy have also ventured into filmmaking since 2016, releasing The Dying Flame the short film. A film written by Lancy, and Directed by Parsh. They have since showcased their diverse talents within the entertainment industry with multiple projects to show for it. Their journey is a testament to the power of consistency and doggedness, proving that with unwavering dedication, great things are indeed born.